The application of an infrared temperature measurement technique in extra-high voltage (EHV) power systems is presented. Through monitoring and analysis of the common heat failures at capacitors and isolating switches, it is found that the infrared temperature measurement technique can scan and image a large area at a long distance quickly. It has the advantages of noncontact, no power cutting, no sampling and no disintegration. To let the infrared temperature measurement technique play a better role in EHV power systems, some experiences in the use of infrared temperature measurement technique are given.